Nearly a million visitors came to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in 2023, contributing over $45 million dollars to the nearby economies. For Alger County--with a population of less than nine thousand people—the park also supports 544 jobs. But hosting that many visitors and generating that much revenue does present unique challenges. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Hannah Bradburn, Visual Information Specialist at Pictured Rocks, to explore the park’s delicate balance between conservation and recreation.

Key Takeaways:

• Visitor Growth: Pictured Rocks sees nearly a million visitors annually, nearly double from a decade ago, showcasing its growing popularity as a travel destination.
• Invasive Species Management: Efforts to keep zebra mussels and other invasive species out of the park’s waterways are ongoing, with education and prevention playing key roles.
• Seasonal Operations: The park operates year-round, with winter activities like skiing and ice climbing providing a draw for visitors, while summer months focus on hikes, kayaking, and camping.
• Local Economic Impact: Visitor spending contributes millions of dollars to nearby communities like Munising and Grand Marais, supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth.
• Historical and Cultural Preservation: Pictured Rocks plays a significant role in preserving both natural and historical landmarks, such as the Au Sable Light Station, offering visitors a chance to connect with the region’s past.

Quotes:

• "Pictured Rocks is one of those parks that is best experienced from the water if you're trying to see the cliff - either taking a Pictured Rocks cruise or getting on a kayak tour."
• “It’s super important for folks who are transferring their boats or their gear from different bodies of water that they clean, drain, and dry their equipment to make sure that Pictured Rocks waterways stay pristine.”
• "If you're interested in working with the park service, reach out to a park, and there's probably room for your skill at a park, and many of us are more than happy to share our experiences."

Resources:

• For more information on visiting or working at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (NPS.gov/PIRO).
• For more information about NPLSF, visit the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation website (nplsf.org).

Don’t miss this insightful episode as Hannah Bradburn takes us behind the scenes of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, revealing how this beloved park balances growing visitation with vital conservation efforts. Tune in for an in-depth look at the stewardship behind one of the Great Lakes' most treasured landscapes.

For those who have backpacked Isle Royale, you know it’s a rugged place. Imagine carrying a 20 pound camera and wooden tripod around, along with a stash of 4x5 black and white film. In 1967, Tom Haas, a 19 year old college student from Connecticut was on a mission with the National Park Service to photograph the island. Most of his travel was done by kayak and over the course of 20 years he captured 3,000 black and white images.

Now, nearly 5 decades later and with help from his wife Jeannie Thoren, the couple have published a book, “Isle Royale, A Photographer’s Circumnavigation 1967-1987.” In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Tom about his book and the people and places he captured leaving lasting memories at Isle Royale.

Key Takeaways:

• Tom Haas' passion for Isle Royale shines through in his meticulously captured black and white photographs, showcasing the island's timeless beauty.
• The book Isle Royale: A Photographer's Circumnavigation, 1967 to 1987 offers a glimpse into the rich history and captivating landscapes of Isle Royale.
• Tom's unique perspective as a longtime visitor and photographer provides a deep understanding of the island's evolution and the enduring spirit of its inhabitants.
• The intimate portraits of fishing communities and natural landscapes captured by Tom Haas offer a poignant reflection on the vibrant history of Isle Royale.
• Through his work, Tom Haas encourages visitors to slow down, immerse themselves in the island's splendor, and embrace the beauty of Isle Royale at a leisurely pace.

Notable Quotes:

• "You don't have to be in a rush or cover a lot of ground to see a lot." - Tom Haas
• "Isle Royale is a place where time seems to stand still, allowing visitors to truly connect with nature and history in a unique way." - Tom Haas
• "Photography is not just about capturing images; it's about building trust, forming connections, and telling stories that resonate with the soul." - Tom Haas
• "Each photograph in the book reflects a moment frozen in time, preserving the essence of Isle Royale for future generations to cherish." - Tom Haas
• "The beauty of Isle Royale lies not just in its landscapes, but in the resilient spirit of its inhabitants and the timeless stories woven into its fabric." - Tom Haas

Resources:

• Tom Haas Photography Website: Tom Haas Photography

Don't miss the opportunity to delve into the enchanting world of Isle Royale through the lens of photographer and author Tom Haas. Listen to the full episode for a profound exploration of the park's history, beauty, and enduring legacy

While we see trucks and trains moving freight around the country, goods are also traveling by freighter, and some of those ships are 1,000 feet long. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Sam Hankinson, Development Coordinator at the Port of Monroe about the health of Great Lakes shipping and how we can learn more about what’s cruising out on the water.

Key Takeaways:

• Great Lakes vessels can haul as much cargo in one trip as hundreds of rail cars or thousands of trucks, showcasing their efficiency and importance.
• The seasonality of Great Lakes shipping includes winter layup for maintenance and upkeep, ensuring the reliability of vessels during the active shipping season.
• Despite the age of some ships, proper maintenance and care can prolong their lifespan, highlighting the durability of vessels in freshwater environments.
• The tight-knit maritime community of the Great Lakes region comes together in times of need, exemplified by the prompt and collaborative response to maritime incidents.
• Resources such as the Marine Traffic app provide real-time vessel tracking, allowing enthusiasts and observers to monitor ship movements and identify passing vessels.

Notable Quotes:

1. "These vessels are carrying the iron ore that's going into steelmaking… They're doing everything. They're carrying the building blocks of America."
2. "These ships exist to move cargo, people make their livelihoods on the Great Lakes… when stuff goes wrong and people are in danger, our industry stands up, our community stands up."
3. "The winter layup period is a very important time… to prepare vessels for the next season and the seasons beyond."
4. "When you start tracking them, you will get it down to a science of how far away they are, when they're going to show up, and when the next one will be coming by."
5. "There is nothing wrong with traveling to a place like Duluth, Marquette, or Sault Ste. Marie… just sitting down by the water and waiting for the boats to go by and enjoying it at your own speed."

Resources:

• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation
• Marine Traffic app

Don't miss out on the captivating insights and stories shared in this episode of the Lake Superior podcast. Tune in to the full episode for a deep dive into the world of shipping on the Great Lakes and discover more enriching content from the podcast series.